Nagdhunga Tunnel construction halted as locals stage protest seeking compensation

KATHMANDU: The construction of the Nagdhunga Tunnel has been halted for five days due to the obstruction created by the locals. The construction of the project has become uncertain after locals affected by the project staged protests demanding compensation for land, construction of blacktopped road, and a football stadium. Locals residing towards Kathmandu from the project site also vandalized the project office.

Locals of Totipakha in Kathmandu to the east side of the tunnel started protest on April 11 stating that their demands have not been met. Japanese construction company Hajma Ando Corporation stopped work after locals of Chandragiri Municipality-2 attacked the project office following a protest. Project Chief Nareshman Shakya said that the company has demanded action against the culprits and will stop work until security is guaranteed.

He said that the construction work has been stopped now, and the construction itself is uncertain. On Sunday (today), the District Administration Office invited the project officials and the locals for discussion. Shakya said that the construction can be started only if there is an agreement, or it will remain uncertain. “We will not work until we get security assurance,” Shakya said.